‘We stood up for what was right’ – Brittany Ferries CEO
Brittany Ferries was ‘standing up for what was right’, when it challenged Jersey’s tender process in court, CEO Christophe Mathieu has said in an email to staff.
The company has declined to comment publicly on the Jersey ruling earlier this week, but in a message seen by the Guernsey Press, Mr Mathieu thanked staff for their efforts over Christmas and gave his thoughts on the decision. He said he was disappointed.
‘We stood up for what was right, and the result was unfair and unjust, but we now have to move on and look ahead,’ he wrote.
‘We are proud Guernsey has chosen us and will develop these services for the next 15 years.’
The new timetable will see two ferries regularly on the Guernsey route from March – the high-speed Voyager and conventional Islander. The Clipper will be used as a back-up vessel, while Liberation and the Goodwill will no longer serve the island.
‘I fully appreciate that these are unsettling and difficult times for many of you, particularly for seafarers on the Liberation and Goodwill and for shore staff,’ Mr Mathieu wrote.
‘I want to reassure you that I deeply value your contributions and are here to support you through this period of uncertainty.
‘I would hope that you will stay with us until the end of March, and we are committed to working alongside you to help secure future opportunities.’
DFDS is recruiting staff in Jersey, particularly appealing for those experienced in the ferry sector. Perks include unlimited trips between Dover and France.
